GreetingsLike Dr Who, I hunt ordinary individuals who had such an extra-ordinary impact on their world that the consequences changed the course of history. Then I tell their stories as true-crime thrillers. The Times reviewer praised The Peculiar Case of the Electric Constable as being 'as lively and readable as a crime novel'.

The History Detectivenewsletter

Tips on researching, writing and publishing, reviews of other books, free books, discount offers, and details of seminars are provided in a free, monthly, email History Detective newsletter. Subscribe here.

True-crime thrillers

And there's more ...

Black Widow: the true story of Australia's first female serial killer will be published by Allen & Unwin in June 2015.

Newsletter, seminars, etc.

You can improve your skills by attending seminars and reading 'how to' books. Details of my own forthcoming seminars and 'how to' books are in the monthly History Detectivenewsletters.To subscribe (free), click here.

UPDATES28 Feb 2015: Help! Why can't I find my ancestor's surname? has just gone to the printers. 18 Jan 2015: Help! Historical and Genealogical Truth is now available. Click for blurb and to order. 14 Sep 2014: History Detective website is being built. 1 Jul 2014: I am a lead presenter on the Unlock the Past Barrier Reef cruise in March 2016.25 May 2014: I am a lead presenter on the Unlock the Past 14-day Baltic cruise leaving Southampton, England, on 11 July 2015.9/10 May 2014: Two-day researching and writing seminars at Adelaide went brilliantly.5 May 2014: The mass paperback version of The Peculiar Case of the Electric Constable is now available. 30 Mar 2014: I am the nonfiction judge for the New England Thunderbolt Crime Writing awards. An honour to be asked! 14 Mar 2014: My status as an adjunct lecture at the University of New England has been renewed. 20 Jan 2014: Link to Youtube video about Peculiar Case. 21 Dec 2013: Review from Sydney Morning Herald for the Peculiar Case: 'as gripping and readable as any crime novel, but all factual and based on remarkable research'.17 Dec 2013: Review from Britain's The Good Book Guide for Peculiar Case: 'Meticulously researched and entertainingly told, this is a vivid picture of an electrifying age.' 13 Nov 2013: Captain Thunderbolt and his Lady received equal first prize in the Society of Women Writers Biennial Awards, in the Nonfiction category.5 Nov 2013: Review for The Peculiar Case of the Electric Constable in Maclean's Magazine (Canada): 'deftly woven tale ... delicious detail'.29 Oct 2013: Review from the Shelf Awareness newsletter: 'An exhilarating real-life thriller'.15 Oct 2013: Review from the Library Journal (USA): 'easily readable, interesting and enjoyable'.14 Oct 2013: Review in The Book Addiction (USA): 'A fascinating read to say the least!'22 Sep 2013: Reviews appear in the oddest of places. The Destructive Music website said The Peculiar Case is 'enthralling'. Click here for review. 13 Sep 2013: A great review from the Independent (UK): 'totally irresistible'. Click here for full review.6 Sep 2013: Another great review in London's Daily Mail: 'a fascinating history, mystery and portrait of a complex, contradictory man'. Click here for full review.31 Aug 2013: And the London Times: 'as lively and readable as a crime thriller'. Click here for full review.